Cost–Benefit Analysis of Pumped Hydroelectricity Storage Investment in China

Paolo Sospiro, Leonardo Nibbi, Marco Ciro Liscio and Maurizio De Lucia
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Paolo Sospiro: CREAR/Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale, Università di Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy
Leonardo Nibbi: CREAR/Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale, Università di Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy
Marco Ciro Liscio: DII Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
Maurizio De Lucia: CREAR/Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale, Università di Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 24, 1-20

Abstract: In this study, the energy scenario in China was analyzed by retracing the trend of exponential population growth, gross domestic product (GDP), and electricity production and consumption. A forecast up to 2050 was made based on the history and forecasts of other field studies. It was possible to deduce data on pollutants in terms of CO 2 equivalent (CO 2 -eq) emitted over time if there were no changes in the way energy was produced. Moreover, different scenarios were hypothesized for the use of pumped hydroelectricity storage plants, namely 4.5%, 6%, 8%, 11%, and 14% (percentage of electricity compared to requirements in 2050), to balance variable renewable energy sources and avoid curtailment, thereby reducing the use of energy produced by coal-fired plants. For this implementation, direct and indirect costs and benefits were considered, with interesting results obtained from an economic standpoint and very positive results from environmental, social, and territorial perspectives.

Keywords: pumped hydro storage; renewable energy sources; electricity; cost–benefit analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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